Picasso's Pizza, 419 W. Main St., Batavia, N.Y.: A great variety of pizza, subs and salads -- and try the wings, too. We have three $5 booklets of $1 gift certificates ($15 value) for $7.50. The gift certificates can be used collectively or individually).

South Main Country Gifts, 3356 Main St. Road, Batavia, N.Y.: From cozy to contemporary is what you'll find at this well-stocked gift store. We have a $20 gift certificate for $9.

The Enchanted Florist, 202 E. Main St., Batavia, N.Y.: Brighten up your home or office with flowers! We have a $20 gift certificate for $8.50.

Settler's Restaurant, 353 W. Main St., Batavia, N.Y.: Settler's has a 25-year history in Batavia of serving great, affordable breakfasts, lunches and dinners to Batavians. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

NOTE: If you've never bought Deal of the Day before, or are otherwise unfamiliar with the rules and process, click here.

Picasso's

SOLD

South Main

SOLD

The Enchanted Florist

SOLD

Settler's

SOLD

With high school football practice beginning this week, it seems fitting that a few of the late Daniel VanDetta’s charges were in town for their fortieth class reunion. Their story is worth telling, if only briefly.

Forty-one years ago, as the 1968 football season drew near, there must have been questions in the mind of Coach VanDetta. Not only would it be the last year at the Blue Devil helm for legendary high school grid coach, it would also mark the school’s first year of competition in a new league. The Central Western Conference, later known as the Monroe County League, consisted of Rochester suburban schools and was considered a grueling schedule in all sports.

As newcomers to the league, Batavia High was considered an underdog in several grid contests that fall. Football sectionals were still years away and New York schools allowed for an eight game schedule at the time. By the time the final game rolled around, Batavia had amassed a record of six wins and one loss. Despite the impressive showing, the Blue Devils were considered a huge underdog in the season finale against a formidable Rush-Henrietta team.  The undefeated Comets were the home team and loaded with size and speed.

On a gray November afternoon, the Blue Devils scored first – and last - to win by a final score of 20 – 14. Not only did the Blue Devils send Coach VanDetta out on winning note and a share of the league crown, they left an indelible mark in the annals of Batavia High football.

Time hasn’t diminished my memory of that November afternoon and the Batavia supporters in attendance that day, most of which spilled onto the field after the final whistle, filled with satisfaction,  brimming with an emotion that can only be described as Blue Devil pride.

In December of ’68 the Democrat & Chronicle released the results of the All-Greater Rochester Area football team, an area encompassing 10 counties.  That year the All-Greater Rochester Team didn’t consist of both offensive and defensive teams, voters simply selected the best eleven players.  Among the top eleven were Blue Devils Jim Dzierzanowski, Neil Kiersz and Jim Briggs, seen in top photo.

Second photo shows Bill Weld and Wayne Niebch, defensive line mates in ’68. Third photo shows myself and Gary Dawson flanking Thom Beers, the Blue Devil’s kick returner that autumn, now the creator and executive producer of hit reality television shows including Deadliest Catch and Ice Road Truckers.   

Crew of cutups from class of ’69….the more things change, the more they stay the same!

Left to right Jim Dzierzanowski, Rick Haitz, Neil Kiersz, Jim Nigro, Jim Briggs, & Jim Catino

Mark S. Hoadley, 46, of Geneseo, is charged with DWAI. Hoadley was stopped in Pavilion by State Police for allegedly failing to stay in his lane of travel. Hoadley was reportedly found with a BAC of .07 percent. He was issued a ticket for driving with ability impaired by alcohol and failure to stay in designated lane.

Samoni T. Hazle, 23, of Le Roy, is charged with DWI. Hazle was stopped on Route 33 in Bergen for allegedly straying from his lane of travel. State Police report Hazle registered a BAC of .09 percent. Hazle was also accused of having an open container.

This weekend, fans of Oz can see local children and teens sing and dance their way through the Batavia Players Summer Youth Theatre production of The Wiz.

The show, which tells the well-known story of Dorothy and her adventures in the magical land of Oz, features familiar characters such as the Scarecrow, the Cowardly Lion, Glinda and the Tin Man.

However, The Wiz is a far cry from the original Wizard of Oz. There are several twists, such as Dorothy's magical shoes being silver instead of red, and an extra witch named Addaperle (played by Katelyn Rogers, above left). But the main difference is that the music and dialogue are in an African-American style.

"It's a much more lively show," says Maureen Edwards (above right), who has the role of Dorothy. "You just want to get up and dance. It's like the funky motown version of the Wizard of Oz."

Edwards, who is 12, is one of the 85 cast members that range in age from 3 to 22. This is her third Summer Youth Theatre production and her ninth production overall.

"Everyone is super supportive," she says. "I've been really lucky because in every show I've been in, I've been treated with a lot of respect. But I do think that with the younger cast, the friends I've made are a lot closer."

Director Patrick Burk says that he tries to give the cast members experience not only onstage, but behind the scenes as well:

"I want them to have a full experience. So they learn about acting, singing, choreography, etc., but they also help with props and sets and cleaning up. It's very important to teach them about tech roles, too."

Burk, who has directed the past 14 summer shows as well as numerous other local community theater productions, says that the cast began rehearsals in mid-May.

"Mr. Burk has a great vision for the show," Edwards says. "He yells sometimes but it's because he loves us and wants us to be the best that we can be. He's a lot of fun to work with."

The original Broadway stage production of The Wiz debuted in 1975, winning seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. It has had revivals in New York, London, San Diego and the Netherlands, and a film adaptation starring Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, and Nipsey Russell was released in 1978.

"Everyone should come see it," says Edwards.  "It's going to be a great show."

Performances are Aug. 20 and 21 at 7:30 p.m. and Aug. 22  at 2 p.m.. Tickets are $10 for general admission and $8 for students and seniors. They can be purchased online at www.bataviaplayers.org link to www.showtix4u.com or at Batavia High School, 260 State St., during evening rehearsals and prior to each performance. For more information call 585-343-9721.

Yesterday, a woman who's bike was apparently stolen overnight saw a man riding her bike on East Avenue and called Batavia police.

When police responded, they reportedly found Nicholas McKague, 18, of 1 Colorado Ave., riding the bike.

According to a Batavia Police Department press release, McKague admitted to stealing the bike from 4 Elm St.. Upon further questioning, he also allegedly admitted to breaking into several unlocked cars and taking items in the area of Union, Oak and Allen streets Monday night/Tuesday morning.

The property taken has not been recovered.

Tuesday morning, several people reported their cars on Redfield, Kingsbury and North Lyon streets were broken into overnight. Bikes were also reported stolen on North Lyons Street.

The investigation is continuing and other suspects have been implicated.

The Batavia Police are asking residents to continue to be vigilant in locking cars and securing bikes and other property in garages or on porches.

Another car apparently rear ended a car stopped to make a left hand turn from Clinton St. Road onto Stringham Drive in the Town of Batavia yesterday, causing an accident that injured both drivers and shutdown the roadway for a short time.

Frank N. Spiotta, 44, of 8484 Stringham Drive, reportedly stopped to turn when his 2008 Nissan sedan was reportedly struck from behind by a 2007 Cadillac driven by William J. Henry, Jr., 68, of 7 College View Drive, Batavia.

Spiotta was transported to UMMC complaining of back pain.

Henry reportedly had minor bleeding from his neck and was treated at the scene, but not transported to a hospital.

The accident is under investigation by Deputy Chris Parker.

Previously: Traffic accident reported at Clinton Street Road and Stringham Drive, Batavia

Neil R. Ramsey, 43, of 342 South Ave., Medina, is charged with felony DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Ramsey was stopped yesterday at 4:57 p.m. by Deputy Bradley D. Mazur on Route 237 in Byron following a citizen complaint of a possibility intoxicated driver. Upon investigation, Mazur arrested Ramsey for allegedly driving drunk. Ramsey was also issued a ticket for an uninspected vehicle. Following his arrest, Ramsey was turned over to the Monroe County Sheriff on an outstanding arrest warrant.

Center Street Smoke House, 20 Center St., Batavia, N.Y.: Ribs, brisket, steak, prime rib -- Center Street is a meat lover's paradise. We have a $25 gift card for $12.50.

Alex's Place, 8322 Park Road, Batavia, N.Y.: People come from all over the region for a fine dining experience at Alex's. It's best known for its ribs, of course, but Alex's seafood is also a favorite of the restaurant's diners. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

Adam Miller Toy & Bicycles, 8 Center St., Batavia, N.Y.: Feel like a kid in a toy store again, or treat your kids to the greatest toy store they will ever see. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

The Mane Attraction, 99 E. Main St., Batavia, N.Y.: The Mane Attraction is a spa and salon offering pedicures, manicures, hair styling and massage. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

NOTE: If you've never bought Deal of the Day before, or are otherwise unfamiliar with the rules and process, click here.

Center Street

SOLD

Alex's Place

SOLD

Adam Miller

SOLD

The Mane Attraction

sold

William John Riley may be one of the luckiest accused criminals in New York.

Riley, who was arrested in Batavia on May 19, is wanted in Illinois on a home repair fraud case, but because the proper paperwork for his extradition has not reach the Genesee County District Attorney's office, he may soon go free.

If he does, he need never worry about about extradition from New York.

But it isn't like Illinois hasn't tried to bring Riley to justice. The Daily Leader in Pontiac, Ill., reports that the Illinois governor's office there did in fact request extradition from Gov. David Paterson's office.

Livingston County Sheriff’s Police Chief Ken White said this morning that sheriff’s police had received a letter on Aug. 6 from Gov. Pat Quinn’s extradition office saying a letter of request for extradition of Riley had been sent to the governor of New York.

“That was really the last informational update we have received on this case,” said White.

“This morning, we have talked to the Genesee County Sheriff’s Department and they have informed us that Mr. Riley, in May, posted $2,500 bond on the Livingston County charges and does not have to reappear in court until the extradition hearing.

“Apparently the paperwork is hung up in the New York governor’s office and when it is received in the Genesee County courts Riley’s lawyer will be notified and a hearing date will be set.”

But once 90 days have passed from the time of Riley's initial arraignment -- Riley was arrested on the May 19, but it's not clear yet when he was arraigned, but most likely no later than May 20 or 21, which means 90 days holding time expired today or tomorrow --  he can no loner be held by New York.

Once he's freed, he cannot be detained on the same charges.  So long as Riley remains in New York -- he better like high taxes and cold winters -- he cannot be extradited.

The wrinkle is that Riley is out on bail, so maybe the 90 days doesn't apply.  Judge Robert Noonan is expected to rule on that technicality soon.

This is the second in our occasional series on Fire Training Mondays. On Mondays, local fire departments meet and train. It's our goal over the next few months to visit each fire department and show a bit of their training and maybe learn a little more about the department.

This Monday, I was able to make it out to East Pembroke, where I saw the volunteers do an equipment check, learned about their original fire truck, and observed their ladder training on an acquired house.

Previously: Fire Training Mondays: Elba Volunteer Fire Department trains on car fires

We are very lucky in the Batavia area to have the Batavia Muckdogs!  We almost lost them a couple years ago, but the Rochester Redwing organization was kind enough to step in with financial and managerial assistance to keep the team in Batavia.

I try to attend most games, and I'm a season ticket holder.   What I notice is that the stands are virtually empty for the majority of games.   What alot of people don't realize is that if we don't get better attendance at these games, we're in danger of losing the team again!  

I've been attending the games for 12 seasons now - and I've made many many friends around the park, and had alot of fun volunteering with the Muckdogs Booster Club on many occasion.  

Everyone that's currently attending the games - invite a friend!  spread the word!

Businesses - we need to keep this valuable asset in our community!   Encourage your employees to attend! put out schedules for your customers!

For those that have never been - it's truly a fun evening of baseball, on-field antics, and a wonderful community event!   give it a try!

We have the lowest ticket prices around to see baseball on a professional level!

Let's keep our Muckdogs where they belong!   In Batavia!!

When asked how old she is, Elba artist Patricia Burr has to think about it a minute.

"Well," she says, "I was born in 1918, so that would make me...my goodness, that would make me 91. But," she adds with a laugh, "I don't feel it."

She doesn't look it or act it, either. Burr, who has resided in Elba for the past 68 of those 91 years, is still a working artist.  

"I've enjoyed drawing for as long as I can remember. But in fifth grade, my teacher noticed that I would always draw in my books after I finished my homework. She called my parents and said, 'You know, it would be nice if your daughter could go to the art school.' Of course, I was all atwitter. I think that was really the beginning of it all."

The art school that her teacher recommended was the Albright Art School, now the Albright Knox Gallery. It was there that she took lessons every Saturday throughout grade school for 50 cents a week.

In 1939, after graduating from Buffalo State College, Burr was hired as Elba High School's first art teacher. Two years later, she moved from her native Buffalo to her current home.

Her love of art is evident just by opening up one of her 14 "fun books," which are filled with photographs and sketches of everything from carefully arranged fruit to strangers seen in restaurants. 

"Always bring a pen or pencil with you wherever you go," Mrs. Burr advises, pointing out to me an impromptu drawing of the back of a friend's house. "You see a lot of different, interesting things."

She says that one of her greatest influences was Don Getz, a well-known Ohio watercolor painter from whom she took some classes.

"He was always very well-prepared for everything. We would all watch him and say, 'Wow, this guy knows how to do it!'  We all hoped that someday we could be as good as Don. My friends and I would go on short road trips to find interesting things to draw, and sometimes Don would come with us. We all had a blast."

Now, Burr paints about three days a week and it usually takes her two days to finish one painting. She tends to work with acryllics and paints mostly landscapes and portraits, although she has been known to paint everything from pets to whiskey bottles, as pictured below.

"There's nothing I don't like to draw," she declares.

Apparently a fajita skillet at Margarita's got a little hot and set off the fire alarm. 

City fire units were dispatched, but a first responder sounded the "all clear" pretty quickly.

"Dispatch, you can disregard," was the first responder's message. "They had a fajita flare up."

Dispatch: "Copy. Fajita flare up."

If you don't eat much Mexican food and are unfamiliar with "fajita," this from Wikipedia:

In many restaurants, the fajita meat is brought to the table sizzling loudly on a metal platter or skillet, with the tortillas and condiments served on the side.

Additionally, some restaurants keep a flame burning under the skillet.

True fajita is beef skirt steak, but most restaurants also serve chicken and shrimp fajitas.

A pedestrian has apparently been hit by a car and suffered a leg injury near the entrance to the parking lot of Tops, 390 W. Main St.

Traffic is currently blocked at Cinton Street Road and Stringham Drive by a two-car accident.

There are possibily two injuries.

A house fire has been reported in Oakfield.

The initial call reported heavy smoke and sparks in the attic.

I don't have the address at this time.  A reader says it's: 10 Irving Parkway.

The fire is reported under control.

With Monday's hot weather, city of Batavia Firefighters took to the water yesterday, according to a press release from the firefighters' union.

Firefighters conducted training at DeWitt Recreation Area on Cedar Street, where they deployed a 16-foot aluminum boat with a 6 hp engine and also rolled out Engine 12, which comes equipped with Coast Guard-approved life vests, rescue ring and several hundred feet of rope.

There are 58 acres of water (ponds and lakes) within the city's first-response area, and 2.75 miles of Tonawanda Creek, plus numerous pools.

"The rapid deployment craft is the most versatile piece of water rescue equipment in service with the City of Batavia," wrote Robert Fix II. "It is quickly inflated and can be used in many situations including open water (DeWitt Recreation Area),  swift water (Tonawanda Creek)  and ice rescues. It is particularly well suited for rescues at low head dams like the one located behind the county courthouse."

Matt "The Hammer" Hamill, a UFC fighter with Western New York ties, will appear at Dwyer Stadium on Saturday when the Batavia Muckdogs take on the State College Spikes.

Game time is 7:05 p.m.

Hamill will be on hand to sign autographs for an hour before game time, and for an hour after he throws out the first pitch.

The popular UFC fighter attended RIT and while a student there, he was was a three-time NCAA Division III National Champion in wrestling.

Matt, who is deaf, also has a silver medal in Greco-Roman wrestling and a gold medal in freestyle wrestling from the 2001 Summer Deaflympics.

He was a contestant on the third season of The Ultimate Fighter reality television show, training under Tito Ortiz in the 205 lb weight class. He is currently 7-2 in his 9 professional Mixed Martial Arts fights.